How to play Eight Off Solitaire
Eight Off is a same-suit variant of FreeCell: eight tableau columns, eight free cells (four of which start with a card already in them), and the same goal of building four foundations up by suit from Ace to King. The key difference from FreeCell is that columns build down by the same suit, not alternating colors.
The rules in short
- Eight columns of six cards each (48 cards), all face-up. Four of the eight free cells start with one card each.
- Build columns down by the same suit: the 7 of hearts on the 8 of hearts, never on the 8 of spades.
- Click a top card to select it; click a free cell, foundation, or another column to move it. One card at a time.
- Each free cell holds one card. Any card can go into an empty column.
- Build each foundation up by suit from Ace to King. You win when all 52 cards are on the foundations.
Tips
- The four pre-filled cells at the start mean only four empty cells remain. Use them sparingly.
- Same-suit builds give fewer legal moves than FreeCell's alternating-color rule, so plan further ahead.
- Work to free at least one tableau column early — an empty column is worth much more than a free cell.
Questions
How is Eight Off different from FreeCell?
Two things: Eight Off has eight free cells instead of four, and columns build down by the same suit instead of alternating colors.
How is Eight Off different from Baker's Game?
The cell count: Baker's Game has four free cells, Eight Off has eight (though four start filled). Both build by the same suit.
Can I move more than one card at a time?
Not on this board. Cards move one at a time; use the free cells and empty columns to stage longer moves.
Read the full FreeCell rules (the parent game) →